The American Red Cross Ventura County Chapter wants families to be safe as they head into fall.

Most back-to-school shopping lists feature items like pencils, notebooks and folders. This year, the Red Cross advises also having items for an emergency preparedness kit.

At a minimum, have the basic supplies listed below. Keep supplies in an easy-to-carry container that can be use at home or taken in case of evacuation.

•Water. One gallon per person, per day. Three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home.

•Food. Nonperishable, easyto prepare items. Three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home.

•Flashlight, extra batteries.

•Battery-powered or handcrank radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio.

•First-aid kit, seven-day supply of medications and medical items.

•Multipurpose tool, local maps.

•Sanitation and personal hygiene items.

•Copies of personal documents: medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies.

•Cellphone with charger.

•Family and emergency contact information, extra cash.

•Emergency blanket, change of clothing and shoes.

Every family should create and practice an evacuation and communications plan. Each person should know how to reach other family members and where to meet if they can’t return home. Designate an out-of-area relative or friend as an emergency contact and make sure all household members know how to contact this person.

To make an evacuation plan, choose two meeting places: one right outside the home in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire, and another outside the neighborhood in case of evacuation.

Decide on a route and stopping place for evacuation. Make sure to also plan ahead for pets. Keep a phone list of pet-friendly hotels and animal shelters that are along the evacuation routes.

Make sure that at least one member of the household is trained in first aid and CPR and knows how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Know which radio stations to tune to in the event of a disaster. In Ventura County, tune in to KVEN 1450 AM, KHAY 100.7 FM and KMLA 103.7 FM (Spanish).

To learn more, visit www.arcventura.org or call the Red Cross at (805) 987-1514.